Born in Arughat, Gorkha, Nepal, Purnima Shrestha began life far from the glacial peaks she’d eventually ascend. Raised in a farming community, her story transformed dramatically after covering the Everest Marathon in 2017 as a photojournalist. Captivated by the Himalayas, her journey from journalist to mountaineer began that day.
Early Summits & Breaking Barriers
- September 2017: With no formal climbing background, Purnima summited Manaslu (8,163 m), her introduction to the 8,000‑meter club.
- May 2018: Purnima became one of the first Nepali woman photojournalists to reach Mount Everest summit.
- 2019–2021: Continued her climb of the 8,000ers — Ama Dablam, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Kanchenjunga — often breaking records with all-female Nepali teams.
Conquering Lhotse: A Brand Ambassador’s Test
In May 2022, Purnima accepted an invitation from Ocean To Orbit to wear a prototype of the Lhotse watch on her ascent. She stood triumphant on Lhotse’s summit - mountain's 4th highest at 8,516m - just weeks after scaling Kanchenjunga. That ascent elevated her to one of the few women, globally and in Nepal, to climb six 8,000‑meter peaks. On the climb, the Lhotse watch became unexpectedly essential:
- Unlike her bulky smartwatch, its mechanical movement and compact profile were ideal for extreme altitude.
- The watch became a timekeeper for her team, with fellow climbers asking for the time when their devices were powered down.
- Even in frigid conditions and water during icefall, the watch held up - “100m water resistant,” she affirmed: “I didn’t take it off”.
Challenges, Resilience & The Sherpa Connection
Purnima faced not only the mountain - she overcame societal and financial barriers. Coming from modest means, she funded her climbs independently, often covering expensive oxygen bottles costing hundreds of dollars each. She credits Sherpas for their indispensable support: “A climb is not possible without them… They are heroes behind the curtain”.
Climbing Lhotse: Technical Rigour
Lhotse differed from Everest, as she explains: it’s a continuous ascent through the col toward the peak, without the changing landmarks climbers often associate with Everest. That consistency can be disorienting, erasing time sense and distance perspective.
More Summit Feats - Continuing the Legacy
Purnima didn’t stop with Lhotse, and in Spring 2024, she became the first woman ever to summit Everest three times in one season - May 12th, 19th, and 25th - breaking personal and national records. Her resume now includes all major Nepalese 8,000‑meter peaks, including K2, underlining her status as one of the world's elite high-altitude mountaineers.
Why Her Story Matters
- Breaking norms: From photojournalist to mountaineer without formal training, Purnima challenges societal expectations.
- Empowering women: Her ascent with all-female Nepali teams showcases gender inclusivity.
- Collaboration: Emphasises mountain community synergy - journalists, Sherpas, climbers.
- Testament to design: Her endorsement of the Lhotse watch proves its rugged practicality in real alpine extremes.
At the Summit of Passion & Precision
Purnima’s journey aligns seamlessly with Ocean To Orbit's brand ethos: purposeful design for real-world adventure. Her Lhotse climb demonstrated that the watch can be both a rugged survival tool and a meaningful companion. Wearing it on Lhotse and later on Makalu affirmed her emotional bond with the timepiece.
In Summary
Purnima Shrestha's story is not just about summits - it’s about hope, grit, inclusion, and partnership:
- From humble beginnings to record-breaking climbs.
- From disposable electronics to Swiss mechanical reliability.
- From expedition support to international inspiration.
She stands as a living emblem of what it means to wear a timepiece with purpose - timing every ascent, milestone, and story.
